Today is one of those days that will determine if the road to our dreams is going to be an easy one, or if hurdles in our way will become mountains in need of shifting, using a shovel and wheelbarrow.

We’ve found the land and fallen in love with a house, the difficult part is getting the timing right, banks to come to the party, and sellers to except offers…in my gut I know we’ll get there, but it’s how treacherous the road ahead will be that has me most curious, nervous, daunted. I look forward to switching to excited…time will tell if that is today or set for the not too distant future.

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My favourite part about writing The Pact was developing the relationships between three women, Flic, Mim and Lacey. Strong and lasting friendships are as rare as true love, and I loved exploring the dynamics between these three. The banter between them in Chapter Seven was my favourite scene to write…hope you enjoy this snippet…

❤ Brenna x

Chapter Seven

Flic found Mim sitting in the restaurant reading what she recognised to be one of Dave’s books.

Not wanting to disturb her, she walked over to the table as quietly as possible. Mim almost jumped out of her seat when she glanced up and saw Flic approach.

“Sorry—he certainly knows how to drag you into the thick of the story.”

“That he does.”

“He was one of my favourite authors.”

“Was?” Mim arched one eyebrow. Flic was fascinated how she managed to do so voluntarily, having tried many times and failed as both eyebrows insisted on going up together.

“Well, still is I suppose. But, now I’ve met him—” she didn’t continue, instead shrugged.

Mim frowned. “There’s more to him than you realise.” Closing her book she placed it on the table, Dave’s image facing up. “Don’t be too quick to judge him, women always do. There was a lot of truth in what Doris said the other night, even if she was out of line.”

“I’m sorry. He irritates me, which isn’t fair because I don’t know him.” Flic stopped. She shouldn’t be discussing Dave with Mim, they were obviously close and not much she had to say about him was positive. “He’s a brilliant storyteller.”

“Yes, but I’d like to hear more about how he irritates you. Why do you think that is?”

“Because once he’s in my head he occupies too much space.”

Mim smirked. “Sometimes they call that something else.”

Lacey burst through the door. “Sorry I’m late.”

Flic wished she’d been a few minutes later so she could find out what Mim was referring to, although she doubted she’d elaborate. Again, Dave was clouding her head, and it didn’t help that his sister was pulling up a seat, talking none stop about Dave this and Dave that. Flic wanted to put her forehead on the table and bang until something other than Dave occupied her thoughts.

Mim laughed at her, and Flic wondered if she’d guessed where her mind was at.

Lacey stopped. “What’s so funny?”

“Maybe you should ask Flic, from the look on her face I imagine she has a lot of something going on in her mind. Perhaps she could elaborate for us.” Mim stood up, not bothering to conceal her laughter. “Can I get you anything before we start?”

“I’m sorry can someone explain what’s going on, I’m confused.” Lacey slumped back into her chair waiting for someone to fill her in.

Flic shook her head. “Nothing, honestly.”

Carrying a tray holding drinks and plates of food over to the table, Mim’s laughter turned to a giggle. “Flic’s got the hots for Dave,” she teased.

“Very mature Mim.”

Lacey beamed. “Oh, I hoped you did.”

“Lacey it’s not true, she’s joking.”

“I think there’s chemistry, and even denial can’t change that.”

“Oh yeah, the type of chemistry they use to construct nuclear bombs. The only possible outcome is an explosive disaster. We came here to talk about work, although I imagine Dave wouldn’t be anything less than a challenge.” Flic regretted the comment as soon as she said it. “I’m sorry Lacey, that wasn’t fair.”

“No it wasn’t.” Lacey only able to keep a straight face for a moment, released a loud burst of laughter.

“You two are cruel.” Flic picked up one of the bottles of pink grapefruit juice, opened the lid and took a long swig.

“Is your novel a romance? You’ve found the perfect leading man, broody and mysterious I think you called him.” Mim continued to tease, but Lacey stopped laughing.

“You write?”

Fabulous. Flic rolled her eyes, liking the Dave topic better than the current one.

“Not really.”

“Yes she does, every day. I can’t wait to read it.” Mim said, removing the cling wrap from the antipasto platters she’d made up earlier, and then emptied a bag of salted peanuts into a bowl.

“What are you trying to do to me, Mim?” Flic didn’t want to continue the discussion, at least not with Lacey. As if she didn’t feel intimidated by Dave enough already. What would he think when he learned of her ridiculous dream of becoming a writer.

“You should join the critique group Dave facilitates.”

“Lacey, Mim’s over generous as usual, I merely dabble. I’m not in your brother’s league and doubt I’ll ever be.”

“You sell yourself short. Besides some of the members haven’t written more than an email. It’s not for professional writers, he helps people who want to tell a story and to do it well.”

“That’s kind of him, but I don’t think my writing, or self-esteem is ready for critique yet.”

“Okay suit yourself, but keep it in mind I’ve been a few times and it’s actually helpful.”

“You write too?”

“Only Poetry.”

“Only a poet would say only poetry.” Flic had tried it as a means of self-expression, but instead wasted her time on an emotional mash of words not suitable to share with anyone.

“Well ladies as much as the writing world fascinates me, from a readers perspective anyway, we open in fifteen minutes,” Mim announced, serious for the first time since they arrived.

“Of course, this shouldn’t take long, you have Flic Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, yes?”

“Yep, when do you want her?” Mim smirked. Obviously there was more going on in her head than she was willing to share.

“How does Tuesday and Thursday work for you Flic?”

“Suits me.”

“Too easy, and you’ll still have time to write, and fantasize over Dave.” Mim roared with laughter as she stood and walked away, taking her drink with her. “I’ve got a call to make, see you tonight Lacey.”

Joel Turner, hot shot entrepreneur, has big plans for small town Mystic Cove, but not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Even though his presence alone is enough to spicy up the town, Rossi Brookes will stop at nothing to see Joel’s business venture fail.